The islands of Ogasawara National Park have never been connected to the mainland. For that reason, they have produced many plants, animals and insects unique to the area. Humpback whales, dolphins, green sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish inhabit the park's seas, while the subtropical forests on land shelter rare creatures such as the Japanese wood pigeon and Bonin flying fox.
Plants
Munin Himetsubaki
The munin himetsubaki (Schima mertensiana) is an evergreen tree endemic to the region. Its white, five-petaled flowers light up the park's landscape from May to June.
Munin himetsubaki
Animals
Green Sea Turtle
Green sea turtles (Chelonia mydas) are found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. They lay eggs here on the park's sandy beaches between March and September. Ogasawara National Park is Japan's largest breeding ground for green sea turtles.
Green sea turtle
Humpback Whale
The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is an enormous creature that can weigh more than 30 tons. It is known for its far-reaching, melodic songs and a distinct hump in front of its dorsal fin. Humpbacks can be spotted in Ogasawara National Park during breeding season from December to early May.
Humpback whale